Raising Standards: Project STEAM Students Increase Proficiency, Data Shows

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GOPES Project STEAM 3rd Grade ELA Teacher Laquida Davis engages Project STEAM students and peers during a Saturday session.

The data is in! Project STEAM students at Glen Oaks Park Elementary School (GOPES) are showing tremendous improvements in  English Language Arts and Mathematics according to the 2014-2015 Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) testing data.

Based on 2015 test scores, last year’s third grade cohort scored 88% proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and 72% proficiency in mathematics, according to GOPES data.

Beatrice Hartford, mother of third year Project STEAM student Journée Nichols, who was among last year’s 3rd grade class, deeply appreciates the program for the academic reinforcement her daughter receives with homework assistance and preparation for the next grade level.  “It keeps her excited and wanting to learn more,” Hartford said.

“It’s not your average after school program,” said Tonya Bethly, GOPES Assistant Principal and Project STEAM Site Cordinator.  “The teachers teach just as hard as they do during the school day.  The students love Project STEAM. They’re compliant learners.  They’re happy learners.  They want to be here.”

An exciting out-of-school learning experience that strengthens student achievement, Project STEAM focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation (UREC) established the initiative in 2013 in partnership with the Gordon A. Cain Center at LSU, the Louisiana Department of Education, Louisiana 21st Century Community Learning Centers, the Recovery School District and the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System.

The consistency of students and teachers participating in the program is gaining the admiration of parents who view the program as a way to help their children excel in future academic pursuits.

PARCC represents a new assessment by select states that are working to replace previous state standardized tests with new assessments. It’s designed to help teachers and parents gauge student progression and areas of improvement.  Learn more here.

For more information, please call (225) 356-8871 or send an email to info@urecbr.com.